I've started thinking about how long the Mitchells have disappeared for lately, they are gone weeks at a time. Probably down to the new characters taking up screen time, but in between all this, the Mitchells are not having their usual run ins with new characters.
Everytime a new character arrives, the first thing they used to do is have a run in with a Mitchell. Dennis; punched Phil to the ground the moment they met. Even as recent to Jack (Honey's dad); had a run in with Peggy on his first day.
I can think of about a dozen new characters now that haven't even spoken to Phil let alone rubbed him up the wrong way. Bradley's been in it since January, and I don't think he's had one scene with a Mitchell, o.k maybe not the type to cause trouble but still nice to be acknowledged. There was a scene between Deano and Grant, a very minor one which really was boring!
The Foxes, o.k Chelsea had a fling with Grant. Max and Tanya, not much interaction (they came to the house warming).
I just hope that the new character arriving next week will have Phil to contend with at some point. Phil needs to make his presence felt.